A hierarchical NiCoFe(OH)X/NiS hybrid as efficient and stable electrocatalysts toward oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline media
摘要
Efficient and cost-effective oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts play a critical role in advancing alkaline water splitting technologies. Herein, we report a hierarchical hybrid catalyst composed of layered NiCoFe hydroxide and nickel sulfide (NiCoFe(OH)X/NiS), synthesized via electrodeposition process. The fabrication involves formation of NiS coating on nickel foam (NF) through Na2S-assisted sulfidation and electrochemical deposition, followed by the electrodeposition of a NiCoFe layered hydroxide film. The resulting composite exhibits a nanoflower-like morphology with a hierarchical architecture. The integration of layered hydroxide with NiS creates a robust hybrid that promotes active site exposure and enhances reaction kinetics of OER. The NiCoFe(OH)X/NiS electrode achieves outstanding oxygen evolution performance in 1 M KOH, requiring low overpotentials of 225 mV and 273 mV to reach current densities of 10 and 100 mA·cm− 2, respectively. The hybrid catalyst also exhibits excellent long-term stability, highlighting its potential for practical application in alkaline water electrolysis.